Competition in the borough will heat up this weekend as more than 70 teams are prepared to compete for the title of the area’s best chili at the 10th annual West Chester Rotary Chili Cook-Off.

“It’s a huge milestone in the sense of acceptance in the community and the borough and allowing us to use their streets,” said Dan Cosgrove, chairman of the Chili Cook-Off Committee and member of the Rotary Club. “But it’s also a milestone that we have made it in the sense that we have been able to generate enough funds to donate enough money back to the community.”

The event is hosted by the Rotary Club, and proceeds from the event will go directly into programs supported by the Rotary Club and local charities.

This year, Cosgrove said the Rotary Club will announce last year’s grant winners about 11 a.m. Sunday, and Cosgrove said 13 or 14 local organizations will benefit from the proceeds which add up to more than $30,000.

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Gates open at 10:30 a.m., though chili will be served from noon to 3 p.m. with awards to be announced about 3:30 p.m.

This year the event has expanded east on Gay Street to include Walnut Street and will include High Street as well.

“It will allow the event to breathe a bit,” Cosgrove said.

Wristbands for the cook-off are $10 for adults and free for children younger than 10 who are accompanied by an adult. Discounted wristbands can be purchased at select locations around West Chester at a rate of three wristbands for $25.

Wristbands provide access to all the chilies being offered at the event which are served in portions of three to four spoonfuls. Competitors are divided into five different categories: business, restaurant, nonprofit, volunteer organization or hometown cook reserved for local families and neighbors.

Cosgrove said the competition is friendly, but gets very competitive since they see a lot of repeat teams.

To allow the public to participate in the judging process, guests will be given three wooden nickels that each count as a vote toward their favorite chili. During the competition, guests can drop the nickels in the jars of their choosing. At the end of competition, the team with the most wooden nickels will be given the People’s Choice Award.

“It’s just a lot of fun and it’s extremely competitive,” Cosgrove said.

While the chili is not served until noon, Cosgrove advises guests to arrive early to experience some of the more than 40 other food vendors and crafters at the event as the festivities start to begin. Cosgrove said it is also a good time to shop.

“If you are not a chili lover it doesn’t mean you stay away,” Cosgrove said. “We want it to be a great experience for the people that support us.”

A children’s area will be available in the Wells Fargo parking lot with face painting, inflatables, magic acts and a DJ. The Philadelphia Eagles football game will also be broadcast on televisions at the event.

The cook-off is a rain or shine event, though Sunday’s temperature is expected to be a high of 70 with clear skies.

About the Author

Jeremy Gerrard is the Daily Local News' reporter covering the West Chester area and local school district. Jeremy is a Chester County native and a graduate of Auburn University. Reach the author at jgerrard@dailylocal.com
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